Okay Potter fans hold onto your wands because some major casting news just dropped ! The legendary John Lithgow is officially set to play Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series. Yes you read that right. The guy from 3rd Rock from the Sun and Interstellar is going to be Hogwarts' headmaster. Let's dive into what Lithgow himself thinks about taking on this massive role.
Lithgow on Dumbledore: Not Too Hard a Job But a Huge Decision and a "Wizard-Like" Connection
So Lithgow recently chatted about the Dumbledore casting and he had some interesting things to say. First off he admitted he is still catching up on the Harry Potter books. He is only halfway through book two right now! But don't worry he is definitely doing his homework.
He actually joked that he doesn't think playing Dumbledore is "gonna be that hard a job." That might sound surprising but he explained that Dumbledore is like a "nuclear weapon" who only shows up occasionally. It sounds like Lithgow sees the role as impactful but not necessarily requiring constant screen time which might be appealing for a veteran actor.
Taking the role was a " huge decision " for Lithgow. He knows it is a multi-year commitment and at 79 years old it could be his last big part. He was curious about what this new series would bring to the table since the movies were already so well-loved. But HBO convinced him they have a fresh take and a chance to explore Dumbledore in more depth especially as the series progresses season by season per book.
Here is a fun fact Lithgow mentioned a "wizard-like touch" connecting him to Michael Gambon who famously played Dumbledore in the later Harry Potter films. They share the same birthday October 19th! Lithgow admired Gambon and sees this birthday coincidence as a bit of magic.
From Interstellar to Hogwarts: Lithgow Reflects on Career Highlights and Embraces Dumbledore Challenge
Before we get too deep into Hogwarts it is worth remembering John Lithgow's amazing career. He has won Tonys Emmys and even been nominated for Oscars. Recently he reflected on some highlights and guess what? He brought up another iconic role: his part in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar.
Lithgow called Interstellar a "masterpiece" even though he thinks Nolan has made a few of those. He loved working with Matthew McConaughey and Timothée Chalamet on that movie. He even joked about watching Chalamet "turn into a superstar" while filming. Lithgow recalled a powerful scene in Interstellar where his character and others go to a baseball game trying to keep normal traditions alive in a world facing collapse. It shows Lithgow's appreciation for roles that blend big ideas with human moments just like Dumbledore.
What to Expect from HBO's Harry Potter Series and Lithgow's Dumbledore
The HBO Harry Potter series is set to be a big deal with each of the seven seasons dedicated to one book. This means way more time to explore the stories and characters in detail compared to the movies. Lithgow is excited about this layered approach especially for Dumbledore. He knows that as the books go on Dumbledore becomes more complex and surprising. He is looking forward to discovering those layers and making the role his own.
The series is expected to premiere in 2027 so we have a bit of a wait. Lithgow is currently the only confirmed cast member but there are rumors about Paapa Essiedu possibly playing Severus Snape. Imagine Lithgow as Dumbledore leading a whole new cast in bringing the Harry Potter books to life again for a new generation. It definitely sounds like something magical is brewing.
John Lithgow's Iconic Roles: A Quick List
Just to remind you of John Lithgow's incredible range here are a few of his most memorable roles:
- The World According to Garp (1982): Roberta Muldoon (Oscar Nomination)
- Terms of Endearment (1983): Sam Burns (Oscar Nomination)
- 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996-2001): Dick Solomon (Emmy Award)
- The Crown (2019-2020): Winston Churchill (Emmy Award)
- Interstellar (2014): Donald
- Harry Potter TV Series (Upcoming 2027): Albus Dumbledore
Get Ready for Professor Lithgow: Dumbledore is in Good Hands
So it seems like John Lithgow is ready to take on the challenge of Dumbledore. He may be learning the Harry Potter ropes as we speak but his talent enthusiasm and that "wizard-like" birthday connection suggest he will bring something special to the role. Get ready Potterheads a new chapter of the wizarding world is beginning and Professor Dumbledore is in very capable hands.